An electronic data capture, or EDC, system benefits independent medical investigators, as well as clinical research organizations. It provides a great solution for different concerns with clinical data management.

Depending on a particular brand, an electronic capture system is composed of different elements. Regardless of design variations in these electronic systems, the integral components remain. These are a validation tool, a graphical user interface, and a reporting tool.
In the field of clinical research, these systems are behind processes that are more efficient. As opposed to data collection in paper form, it is inarguable that electronic data collection is done faster. Beyond convenience, they seem to bring more advantages, too. Learn more about electronic data capture software in the video below:

- Diagnostic the practice of looking at alternative ways of identifying medical subjects

- Treatment research also called clinical trial; utilizes a clinical trial management system for data collection with regard to general intervention (e.g. psychotherapy, medication, introduction of new devices)

- Screening the primary aim is to determine the most practical way of identifying medical subjects

- Genetic studies the primary is for the improvement of a medical subjects predictability with regard to genetics

- Supportive care the exploration of various ways of providing comfort for medical subject; provides discussion about the improvement in the quality of life

- Epidemiological studies the primary aim is to identify causes and patterns in particular medical subjects

The Goal of EDC Systems in Clinical Data Management

An electronic data capture system is a tool that provides support for the collection of data. It also uses automated support for relevant tasks. These tasks include query resolution, coding, supply management, validation, reporting, and randomization.

Electronic capture systems are designed to collect data from different sources. These sources are usually health records, imaging data sources, and laboratory reports.

You can also refer to these data capture systems as clinical trial management software, remote data capture, and eClinical solutions. Since these systems are usually web-based, data is accessible from a device with a web browser. It is also a plus that a thin client is utilized. This means that you can access data with the use of a simple web browser.

The Use of EDC Systems Offers Better Data Access

With an electronic data capture system, data access can be accomplished easily - and more reliably, too. It provides assistance for both simple and complex medical investigations. It is designed to collect in a secure and uncorrupted manner.

As mentioned in the introduction, data collection via electronic capture systems can be done much faster. The concern is not just on the speed of the task, but also rather on its accuracy. So far, the use of electronic systems is commendable since they return accurate data.
Since they reduce the time for data input by more than half, they also reduce the total time necessary for the studies completion. Usually, research that would take weeks to finish can be done within 2-3 days with the use of these tools.

These systems allow real-time data access, and they support adaptive clinical trial designs. This is especially beneficial to clinical researchers with ongoing projects; they can take advantage of real-time data for better decision-making.

The Use of EDC Systems Results to Error-Free Clinical Data Solutions

The effectiveness of clinical trial software programs in the enforcement of high quality data is unquestionable. Once programmed, you can utilize them to meet desired goals prior to acceptance in databases.

Clinical software tools are designed to execute error-free processes. They are programmable to follow particular rules. Some of these rules include formatting requirements and ranges.

The Use of EDC Systems Results to Better Rate of Productivity

Better rate of productivity can be expected with an electronic data capture system. As it accelerates productivity, it decreases the cost of research. This is due to the reduction of the number of in-person visits during a clinical process.

These systems are designed to function to enhance productivity. They can resolve minor discrepancies and enable seamless processes.

Consequently, more work is accomplishable.

Granted that the data capture systems are programmed accordingly, instructions for your medical investigation will be followed. There will no longer be a need to facilitate and keep close monitoring during general procedures.

Conclusion: Are the Advantages of EDC Systems Worth Acknowledging?

In conclusion, the adoption of EDC systems is worth considering. They are very effective in lowering costs, without sacrificing the quality of the study. Other than accelerate their progress, these systems are known to improve research project feasibility.